'Urgent' investment needed to tackle problem drug use in Edinburgh

Drug service chief calls for more money to deal with increasing problem

Emma Crawshaw, the chief executive of Crew 2000, Cockburn Street, Edinburgh.

The head of one of Edinburgh’s most crucial weapons tackling problematic drug use in the Capital has said the sector “urgently” needs more investment to help tackle the growth in cocaine use in the city.

Emma Crawshaw, chief executive of Crew, Scotland’s only specialist stimulant drug counselling service based in Cockburn Street, said they had seen a rise in the number of young people presenting with problematic cocaine use.

She called for more cash to fight the war on drugs, as well as listing cocaine within the definition of problematic drug use, comments which come just two weeks after problematic cocaine use in the Capital was shown to have quadrupled.

Speaking to the Evening News, Ms Crawshaw said: "Cocaine is more accessible, affordable and available than previously because drugs markets and the technology to extend them continue to develop and innovate."We urgently need more consistent, longer-term investment across the education and treatment sector so we can not only maintain existing services, but innovate and develop to meet new and changing needs."We need more research into effective medically assisted and other treatment for people experiencing harmful, prolonged, routine stimulant drug use, and conversations with people with lived and living experience about how we can support them more effectively to reduce harm.

"We need to make sure drug policy and budget allocations for treatment are informed by changing needs and evidence.”

Ms Crawshaw said the crucial aspect in any battle against problematic drug use was to challenge the taboo that stops people from seeking help.

She said: “Cocaine is still not included in NHS Services Scotland’s Information Services Division’s definition of ‘problematic drug use’ - changing this would make a significant difference towards the development of needs-led public health services.

“The most important thing we can do individually and as communities is to challenge the stigma that prevents people from seeking help."

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Crew is an important and valued partner in our work to tackle the damage that drug misuse causes to people, their families and communities. We are aware of evidence that indicates that there has been an increase in the use of cocaine and crack cocaine in recent years in Scotland.

“For 2020-21 the Scottish Government is investing up to £95 million for reducing the harms from drug and alcohol use. NHS Health Scotland is reviewing alcohol and drug use education to ensure a consistent high quality.

“This will help us to develop a comprehensive approach to early intervention amongst those who are more at risk of developing problem drug use alongside those services who are already working with this group.

“It will also help us develop to our current online resources to ensure they provide accurate, evidence-based, relevant and up to date information and advice around alcohol and drug use and how to access help.”